Bars and restaurants in Leeds city centre being targeted in spate of burglaries as owners call for action

Owners say they have been shocked at the scale of the number of burglaries; with numerous venues stretching from Wellington Place to the train station being targeted.

Among those targeted who spoke of their concern were Green Room, Shokupan, Man’s Market, Nosh and Lazy Lounge.

West Yorkshire Police have said they are aware of the burglaries and have increased patrols in the affected areas.

The businesses have said that they believe the break-ins are being carried out by the same group, with police saying that they “appear to follow a similar pattern”.

Shokupan on Wellington Street and Man’s Market at West Point were broken into in the early hours of Friday (June 14) and Sunday (June 16). In both cases the perpetrators broke through the glass doors using a hammer and stole cash and items including iPads.

Simon Robinson, operations manager at Man’s Market, said: “It’s just frustrating that someone is doing it all over.

“I don’t know why they are targeting pubs and restaurants when no one pays with cash anymore.”

Also targeted was Green Room on Wellington Street, where the front door was smashed and the thieves stole alcohol.

Director Will Habergham said: “There are lots of local independent businesses being targeted, and it's a real shame.

“Lots of people are struggling at the moment, and the added costs of repair and also missing items add extra pressure during already difficult times.”

Tom Bailey, who owns the Lazy Lounge at West Point, said that businesses in the square had banded together to pay for extra security to monitor the businesses through the night.

He said: “It’s just ridiculous. We need the police to stop them.”

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Chief Inspector Pete Hall, who heads Neighbourhood Policing for Leeds District, said: “Officers on the City Neighbourhood Policing Team are very much aware of recent burglaries at bars and restaurants in the area, which appear to follow a similar pattern with the offenders targeting premises in the early hours, smashing glass to enter and taking what items of value are to hand.

“Officers are currently pursuing a number of specific lines of enquiry to identify those responsible.

“We will be continuing to mount increased patrols of the affected areas to deter any further offences and to reassure businesses, and we are working with crime prevention officers to offer advice on the most effective measures businesses can consider.

“We would also ask that anyone who witnesses any related suspicious activity in the area or elsewhere in the city centre contacts the police immediately so we can respond accordingly.”